COLREEVY signalled that she will be a formidable opponent for any mare over fences this season with a commanding return to action in the Ballymore Group Rated Novice Chase which headed a double for Willie Mullins and Paul Townend.

The daughter of Flemensfirth, who was a very smart novice hurdler last term, made her comeback in a well-contested event which was restricted to horses rated 135 or less over hurdles. This race served up its fair share of incidents but up front the 13/8 favourite turned in a very accomplished and polished effort for Paul Townend.